DIY: Headlight Restoration
 

[IMG]file:///Users/paulwright/Desktop/2010-11-09_22-15-38_888.jpg[/IMG]My head light were really foggy and looked really bad. I invested $20 and about 20 mins of my time to make them look like new.

This is a photo of how my headlights looked when I started, I taped up the edges to protect my paint from both the drill and the solution.
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I followed the instructions and added a nickel size amount of the solution to the pad which is connected to my drill.
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Then spent about 2-3 mins applying an even coat to the entire headlight with the drill starting slowly and building up the speed. Once all the solution was completely rubbed in I repeated the whole process for the other headlight.
Attachment 164782

I then repeated the process for the both headlights, (Not required but I didn't take long so I want to make sure i had done a good job). Once complete a quick rub with the lint free cloth.
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The finished product looks amazing
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Thanks for reading and hope this helps

Headlight restoration extra pics
 

Here is a picture of the equipment used
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This is the other headlight
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would this take out all the scratches on the head light too ?

Mine was just cloudy and had no deep scratches, I think it we will remove small scuff type scratches but not deep ones. All you can do is try it

Used the same kit on my friends g35. He had some tiny surface scratches and a yellow lens. This thing cleared it up and helped to blend in the scratches real nice. Remember to use the tape, the compound is a cutter and will cut away at the paint (which isn't a big deal, but you might notice when you wash your car that the area around the headlights is shinier lol.)

The passenger side lens still looks cloudy in the close up but the scratches are gone. Big improvement from it's original condition.
How long do you expect it to last before it has to be redone?

does this stuff work on glass pitting as well ?

The lens was not cloudy when I had finished it was just the photo, I think the flash and the reflection made it look that way. It really looks great, not sure how long till it needs doing again but it still looks like new now.

I don't think it works on glass there is a list of about ten uses on th the side and they are all types of plastic

i'll remember this thread! SAVED :D

The pad comes in the box too??

Yes you get the liquid the pad that attaches to your drill and the lint free cloth

Is this One Step new from Meguiars? or has it been around?
I am familiar with another product by the same name but a different company.
Meguiars have been experimenting with headlight cleaners for a while.
They have an assortment of kits for different levels of skill.
Some of the kits cost close to$500.00.
They probably have a kit designed to take out the deep scratches and pits in the lens.

This is good to know and thank you, I will try it on my car.

I used the same kit and had similar results. Would definitely recommend!

Just a quick note for everyone. My headlights on my 8 were 10 times worse then his, and tho this kit works extremely well, you can get it done with stuff you have on hand. Simple rubbing compound/polish will substitute the "Restoration Cream" and a foam pad on a drill was what I found worked the best. Follow all the same instructions as above. Why buy a $20 kit when you can get it done for $5! Simple DIY.

it does work good...but to get it back to that new look, you will need to sand it down left + right with 1000 grit sand paper...do up and down with 3000, use plastix, sit back and enjoy the shine :)

I just thought I would follow up with this since it is about 10 months since I originally posted this DIY post and my headlights still look great. I wax them once a month when I do my car and they still look like new. I do agree that you could do this with rubbing compound and a buffing cloth or buffing drill bit.

On the cheapo, I use "Fast Orange" hand cleaner and a similar buffing wheel... works very well.

That is headlight restoration on a budget if iv ever seen it !

I'll look into this, I used Turtle Wax and it cleared it up, just not as good as yours did.

Bought it today, but haven't got to use it. My brother has a Jetta with some serious yellow headlights, ill takes some pictures if i remember of before and after on his and mine. Put it to the real test.

Just a well known shop and jeeper trick. I have 5 vehicles so I don't drop coin on anything involving cars if I can find an equally effective method of solving the problem on the cheap. I also try to avoid re-branded stuff that found a new use and sells for 10x more.... that's not for me, sorry.:D:

my oxidation was on the interior of the lens.. maybe im the only on though

Just wanted to follow up on this post. My headlight lenses are starting to cloud up again so I will be doing the process again soon.
Meaning this fix is good for about 1 year and the car has done about 25K so plenty of use.